Member Interview: Caspi Freight, Israel

SFN members are well-connected and highly experienced in the industry. We regularly talk to our members to gain insight into the industry today. We recently heard from Oren Cohen, International Business Development Manager at Caspi Freight Forwarding and Customs Clearance Agents in Israel:

> How did you start out in Freight Forwarding?

"I was living in Europe for a few years, my background is Economy and I was working in the financing industry. When I came back to Israel, I got an opportunity to raise the Sales and Marketing division at Caspi. Ever since, I am working in Caspi at the freight forwarding sector, for 12 years."

> Your thoughts on the logistics industry today and how things have changed due to the Pandemic?

"We were lucky enough to work in one of the industries that were not harmed during this period. We feel that currently the work is more strenuous compared to last year, despite this difficult period.

Caspi is a very prosperous company, that deals in several areas, which creates a risk diversification, while areas in our industry are affected during the epidemic, other areas are actually flourishing and thriving and the demand for them will be very high especially during this period."

> What are the main challenges facing independent forwarders?

"I believe that each manager looks at this matter differently, so it is quite individual. The main challenges, from my point of view, are collection and proper selection of employees."

> How relevant is networking in today’s forwarding industry?

"Being part of a freight forwarding network is very relevant, for any period of time. A network allows you to have working relationships in places you have not yet developed in the world and gives you the opportunity to meet at least once a year with your partners in one place, helping you promote your company. It also helps improve the system of agents in your company."

> How do you see the future for independent forwarders?

"For the near future things are going as they are today; I assume there will be some improvements and efficiencies in the processes, also in the communication interfaces that exist in the industry. However, there is no telling what the future will look like in the long run with the digitalisation revolution."

Caspi Freight Forwarding & Customs Clearing Agents Ltd. was established in 1963 in Haifa, and is among the leading Israeli customs clearance and freight forwarding companies. Caspi has over 46 years' experience in a wide range of import and export fields, and our extensive clientele, which includes customers from various industries, contributes to future cooperation with potential new customers.

Caspi employs a large, skilled staff, located at various ports (the company has independent offices in Haifa, Ashdod and Ben Gurion Airport). The company is highly renowned as a reliable, dynamic and efficient company, which provides service at minimum costs and maximum speed. Caspi holds high grade, 93, according to Dun & Bradstreet inc.